UNC Football news: Sam Howell ruled out against Wofford

The UNC Football team will get an early look at what they potentially have at quarterback for the future on Saturday against Wofford.

In the final home game of the season where the program will honor seniors, the team announced that quarterback Sam Howell will miss the game with a shoulder injury. Howell was set to possibly make his last start at Kenan Memorial Stadium as he is a senior, taking enough credits to earn that status over the last two-and-a-half years.

But an injury he suffered late in the loss at Pitt last week won’t have him on the field today.

With Howell out, UNC will now turn to Jacolby Criswell as the starter with true freshman Drake Maye also expected to see time. Both players have appeared in games, although it be minimal, but both are expected to compete for the starting job next season when Howell likely leaves for the NFL draft.

While you would obviously prefer to have Howell out there, this gives Mack Brown and his staff a chance to scout next year’s quarterback a bit early.

UNC does need one more win to become bowl eligible with today’s game against Wofford and Friday’s season finale at N.C. State left. Wofford does enter this game at 1-8 and has been one of the worst teams in all of college football this season. UNC shouldn’t struggle in this game and if they do, it would be another disappointment this season.

Howell has thrown for 2,704 yards, 22 touchdowns, and just 8 interceptions while also rushing for 717 yards and 9 touchdowns. Going into this week he’s ranked as a top five quarterback for the upcoming draft but a fringe first-round pick according to Mel Kiper Jr.

For more on Howell and the UNC Football program, please make sure to check back with Keeping It Heel.